Amit Shah, Home Minister, Government of India, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for allocating a record Rs 17,155 crore to Gujarat's railway sector in the Budget 2025-26. In a social media post on X, (formerly known as Twitter), Shah highlighted the unprecedented development taking place in the railway network under PM Modi’s leadership, emphasising that this massive budgetary provision will further accelerate modernisation and expansion projects across the state.

Comparison with Past Governments

Drawing a comparison with the previous administration, Shah pointed out that between 2009 and 2014, Gujarat received a mere Rs 589 crore for railway development. Under the Modi government, railway expenditure in the state has surged by an astonishing 29 times, marking a transformative shift in infrastructure investment.

Electrification and Station Redevelopment Plans

In the past decade, Gujarat has seen a 22-fold increase in railway electrification, with 97% of tracks now electrified. Shah also announced an ambitious plan to renovate 87 railway stations across Gujarat into Amrit Stations, backed by an investment of Rs 6,303 crore. Key stations included in this initiative are Ahmedabad, Rajkot Junction, Vadodara, Vapi, Porbandar, Junagadh Junction, and Mehsana Junction.

Additionally, seven major stations—Gandhi Nagar Capital, Surat, Sabarmati, Somnath, Udhna, New Bhuj, and Ahmedabad—are undergoing a significant transformation with an investment of Rs 5,572 crore. Shah shared his delight over the Rs 799 crore investment dedicated to redeveloping Gandhinagar Railway Station.

Economic and Social Impact

This massive boost in railway infrastructure is expected to enhance trade, industry, transportation, and employment opportunities across Gujarat. With modernized stations and improved connectivity, the state is poised for accelerated economic growth and increased convenience for passengers. The Modi government's focus on railway development is driving Gujarat towards becoming a hub of industrial and commercial excellence, further strengthening its position on the national economic map.